rally drivers

Gauld Remembers Bjorn Waldegard (1943-2014)

September 2, 2014 By pete

Bjorn at the start of a special stage on the Swedish rally 1969.

Story and Photos by Graham Gauld

It always comes as a shock when you hear of the death of a friend, but the death of Swedish champion rally driver Bjorn Waldegard really hit home. I have known Bjorn for the past forty-five years and met up with him at various rallies in Europe and particularly in his native Sweden.

Bjorn was the typical tall blond Swede who didn’t say very much, but put him in a car and he really could make it sing. For most of his rallying life he was involved with the Porsche and Volkswagen importers to Sweden and it was in Volkswagens and Porsches that he is best known. [Read more…] about Gauld Remembers Bjorn Waldegard (1943-2014)

Annie Soisbault, 1934-2012

October 3, 2012 By pete

Photo by Graham Gauld

French rally and race driver Annie Soisbault passed away on September 18th at the age of 78.

Not well known in the U.S., Soisbault was nevertheless one of the finest women drivers of the 1950-60s, a time in which women were participating in large numbers in both racing and rallying. Soisbault’s peers, sometimes competitors and friends included Gilberte Thirion, Pat Moss, Ann Wisdom, Sheila Van Damm, Denise McCluggage, Evy Rosqvist, Betty Skelton, Louisette Texier, Annie Bousquet and many more truly excellent women drivers.